Troops' Mental Distress Tracked
Early Checkups Find Fewer Problems Than Later Ones
By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 14, 2007; A03
Soldiers who have served in Iraq are suffering substantially greater mental distress
several months after leaving the combat zone than when they first return home -- with one
out of five active-duty Army soldiers and more than 40 percent of Army reservists needing
treatment, according to a study by Army researchers published yesterday.
The study is the first to examine over time the psychological struggles of soldiers who
have been deployed to Iraq, the vast majority of whom have seen people killed and wounded
and have themselves felt being in danger of dying.
Soldiers were far more likely to report mental health problems -- such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) or depression -- in a military screening three to six months after
returning from Iraq, compared with a screening done immediately after they came home,
according to the study appearing in the Nov. 14 issue of the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA). Particularly pronounced was the four- to fivefold rise in the
proportion of soldiers reporting conflicts with family members and friends, mirroring
trends from past wars.
Timothy Bredberg, 26, of Springfield, Ill., returned in 2004 from a tour as a front-line
medic in Iraq and said he felt he had to hide his psychological symptoms to stay in the
Army. "Commanders were standing there saying if you check the wrong thing, you will
be considered crazy and get kicked out," said Bredberg, a corporal, who was soon
having nightmares and severe anxiety, and showing up drunk at formations.
Combat stress worsened during Bredberg's tour in Iraq's violent Anbar province, where he
was wounded by a mortar shell and had a friend who died in his arms. He was medically
discharged with severe PTSD in 2005 and, unable to work, now spends most days at a
Department of Veterans Affairs clinic undergoing treatment.
Initial screenings "substantially underestimate the mental health burden,"
according to the study, which adds to growing evidence that more than a quarter of recent
Iraq combat veterans are grappling with various psychological problems.
"Soldiers reported more mental health concerns and were referred [for treatment] at
significantly higher rates" several months after their return, says the study,
written by Col. Charles S. Milliken and Col. Charles W. Hoge of the Walter Reed Army
Institute of Research and Jennifer L. Auchterlonie of the Army Center for Health Promotion
and Preventive Medicine.
The study concludes that the Army should intervene earlier with mental health care for
combat veterans -- reservists, in particular -- and their family members "before
symptoms become chronically entrenched." But it also casts doubt on the effectiveness
of the treatment for PTSD in what it calls today's "overburdened" military
medical system, finding "no direct relationship of referral or treatment with symptom
improvement."
The study is based on Army questionnaires completed by 88,235 soldiers who served in Iraq,
90 percent of whom were male and nearly 60 percent of whom were married. About 56,000 of
those surveyed were in the active-duty Army, and 32,000 were in the Army Reserve or the
National Guard.
One reason the early screenings detected fewer problems is that soldiers were elated upon
returning home and did not want to spend time seeking care, Army officials said.
"When you come back . . . you're almost euphoric . . . you don't have any problems in
the world," said Brig. Gen. Stephen L. Jones, an Army assistant surgeon general. But
after a few weeks, he said, "the stress starts to resurface."
While reports of mental health problems rose for all types of soldiers from the first
screening to the second one, the National Guard and Reserve soldiers suffered such
problems at higher rates than active-duty troops. In the second screening, 24.5 percent of
reservists reported concerns with PTSD, 13 percent with depression and 35.5 percent with
their overall mental health risk -- compared with 16.7 percent, 10.3 percent and 27.1
percent of active-duty soldiers in the same categories.
Reservists may suffer more mental health problems because, after returning home, they
disperse to different communities without day-to-day support from their war-zone comrades,
and also face the stress of making the transition to civilian jobs.
Another troubling finding is that while soldiers frequently reported abusing alcohol --
nearly 12 percent of active-duty soldiers and 15 percent of reservists -- less than 1
percent in each category was referred for substance-abuse treatment. One reason may be
that such treatment is not confidential and triggers the involvement of commanders, the
study says.
For Bredberg, overpasses, fireworks and crying children can set off flashbacks, creating a
problem after Bredberg's wife, Stacey, gave birth to their son, Peyton, now 18 months old.
"I stay home with the baby," Stacey said, recalling that Bredberg has woken up
from nightmares and swung at her. "He doesn't need the added stress."
Bredberg's family, which he describes as conservative and patriotic, disowned him after he
returned. "Timmy, we don't know you anymore," his sisters told him, he recalled.
"People talk about the sacrifices . . ." he said. "People don't realize
it's more of an emotional and mental thing that we give up for going over there. I have
lost family members because of it. I've lost best friends."
October 7, 2007
Free courses teach essential computer skills.
From the Air Force Times By Jessica Lawson - Decision Times
Getting ready to exit the military and
wondering if your computer skills are up to speed for the civilian job world? There’s
a reason to make sure you’re prepared: Workers who use computers in their jobs
typically earn more than those who don’t — almost 17 percent more, according to
a 2004 study from the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The good news is, as part of the most technologically advanced military in the world,
chances are you have at least some computer training on your plate. The bad news? Those
skills may be highly specialized and have limited applicability in most civilian careers.
And even if you’ve done your share of reports in Microsoft Word, spreadsheets in
Excel or PowerPoint presentations while in uniform, don’t assume your talents are
polished enough to pass muster on the outside. Take the case of retired Lt. Col. Phil
Upperman. After leaving the Army a little more than a year ago, with 28 years of service
under his belt, Upperman found himself at a recruiting agency, being tested on the finer
points of Excel.
“I thought I was quite familiar with Excel, PowerPoint and those kinds of things that
we routinely use in the military,” he said. “They tested me in Excel, and I only
got about an 80 percent.”
Not a dismal score by any means, but it did leave plenty of breathing room for job-seekers
with higher scores.
“If you are getting out, you can bone up on [computer skills] and prepare for any
kind of exam you may encounter when you get out,” Upperman said. He believes strongly
in the importance of good computer skills — so strongly, in fact, that today
he’s a regional director of military programs for Giant Campus, a company that
provides technology training, consulting and staffing services to private-sector
corporations, the military, the federal government, and youth and education markets.
Giant Campus
If you doubt the adequacy of your computer skills, have no fear: Giant Campus and a
growing number of other educational opportunities are available to those interested in
learning — or improving upon — technological skills.
Best of all, there are enough free services out there that you never have to spend a dime.
Giant Campus began its affiliation with the military in 2003 at the Army’s Fort
Lewis, Wash.
Since then, the company has expanded its free technology training to seven other
installations, according to David Kinard, the company’s director of marketing.
Long-term programs exist for MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.;
McChord Air Force Base, Wash.; and forts Richardson and Wainwright in Alaska, in addition
to the Fort Lewis location. Short term programs exist at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Naval
Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Giant Campus courses are available on-site at the installations, online or via CD.
Hundreds of courses — from Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, to digital
photography, animation and Web design — are available free to active-duty soldiers,
reservists, retirees, Defense Department civilians and their respective families, Kinard
said.
You don’t have to live on one of the participating installations to receive the
benefit, but you do have to be affiliated with one.
A soldier stationed at Fort Lewis can use the online services while deployed to Iraq. A
National Guardsman from Camp Murray in Tacoma, Wash., can take advantage of the Giant
Campus program because Camp Murray is affiliated with Fort Lewis. But an airman at Andrews
Air Force Base, Md., which does not have a contract with Giant Campus, may not use the
online courses offered at MacDill, McChord or Nellis.
Courses in the Microsoft Office suite tend to be Giant Campus’ most popular offerings
at MacDill, though the so-called “recreational” courses such as digital
photography and graphics are in high demand, said Bob Haunton, a retired Navy chief
warrant officer who serves as another of Giant Campus’ regional directors of military
programs.
The professional training courses in the Microsoft Office suite also are popular at Fort
Lewis, Upperman said.
“[It’s] professional-level training,” he said. “People at staff level
will come in and learn what they need for free instead of having to take a class somewhere
they have to pay for.”
And while the Giant Campus program is nonaccredited, Upperman points out that the
quality-of-life component of the courses can pay immeasurable dividends down the road.
“It’s about feeling confident in your computer skills so you can go out in the
real world and communicate,” he said.
No Giant Campus? No problem
What are your options for acquiring better computer skills if you’re not affiliated
with a Giant Campus installation?
There are many. GCF Global Learning, for example, is a completely Web-based program that
provides free computer and life-skills training to hundreds of thousands of learners
worldwide. Through a combination of courses and tutorials, the program offers computer
training in areas ranging from computer basics and the Internet to the Microsoft Office
suite.
Life-skills training areas include math basics, money basics and career development.
The GCF Global Learning program is relevant to military members who after two or 22 years
in the service find they need to update their computer skills to be marketable in the work
force, said Courtney Hodgson, GCF Global Learning marketing specialist.
Giant Campus’ Upperman agrees.
“We ... work with people who are retiring. They come in and they boost their resume,
boost their skills. So if they are tested by a company, they know they can be confident
that they can pass the test,” Upperman said. “At Fort Lewis, O-6s all the way
down to privates take courses. Especially the senior NCOs and officers will come in and
take courses to prepare themselves for retirement.”
Five of the top 10 fastest growing jobs are computer-related, according to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics: computer engineer, computer support specialist, systems analyst,
database administrator and desktop publishing specialist. But sharp technological skills
are important even for those who don’t work solely with computers.
“Computer skills are in such high demand right now,” GCF Global Learning’s
Hodgson points out. Even people who work in manufacturing and shipping have to know how to
use a computer in order to use the Internet or even to fill out the original job
application, she said. “And so I think that for these individuals in all stages of
life, being able to acquire these fundamental computer skills, there is a growing need
every year, regardless of occupation.”
Indeed, employment experts say more and more jobs require at least basic computer skills,
such as composing documents, sending and receiving e-mail, and creating presentations.
Giant Campus instruction is part of a three-week training program for new airmen at
MacDill, evidence that military leaders recognize the growing importance of good computer
skills, too, Haunton said. Giant Campus also participates in a noncommissioned officers
course at the base.
And at Fort Lewis, Upperman said Giant Campus recently trained a military police National
Guard unit preparing for deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the finer points of Word,
Excel and PowerPoint.
“I’ve been associated with the military since ’74, and I’ve not seen
such a viable, productive service to people in the military, especially in this day and
age of technology and communication,” Upperman said.
About Fort Lewis Giant
Campus--Click Here
Fort Lewis Course
Catalog-Click Here
More about Giant Campus--click here
Giant Campus Courses are self-paced,
innovative, technology classes for adults and kids of all ability levels. These fun and
engaging courses motivate students to learn and succeed while gaining skills useful in
high tech careers and for personal productivity. Whether you are an adult who is yearning
to learn how to fully explore your new digital camera or a child who wants to create your
own computer game, Giant Campus has the perfect class for you!
Fort Lewis On-Site Class Schedule
For your convenience, on-site courses are
offered to adults, teens, kids and families at a variety of locations. Using the drop down
menu below, choose a topic (or several) that most interests you to see the location(s)
where that topic is taught. You can then choose the option(s) that best suits your
schedule. Please note: on-site courses may fill up quickly so register soon to reserve
your spot. If a course is unavailable, or your schedule does not permit taking an on-site
course, be sure to take advantage of our @Home option. This program allows you to take
courses anywhere, and at anytime!
If you have any questions about the courses, or would like suggestions on fun and
interesting courses, please call us toll free at (800) 386-4223.
Because of the military ban on some e-mail
and internet resources
you may to to try Motomail.com
to be downloaded, printed, and ready for delivery, usually within 24 hours.
THE SERVICE IS FREE, PRIVATE and SECURE."
Marines abroad can also send letters home to the US. Go to the Superletter.Com, Inc. website for more information
Disabled Veteran Athletes Eligible for Olympic-Caliber Training
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has
strengthened its partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) to improve competitive
sport opportunities so that physically disabled veterans interested in the U. S.
Paralympic sports competition will be able to receive world-class training in facilities
operated by the USOC.
Veteran Athletes Learn More Published:
July 20, 2007
First
Gentleman’s’ staff utilize technology to aid disabled vet.
PRESS RELEASE:
OLYMPIA, WA May 23, 2007
On the afternoon of
May 15th 2007 4:00PM. Mrs.
Elizabeth Johnston, President, Mothers Of Military Support (M.O.M.S.) received a call from
Dennis Clark, First Gentlemen’s support staff, Office of Governor Gregoire.
Mr. Clark
asked Mrs. Johnston if M.O.M.S. could help with getting assistance to a disabled Marine
Veterans family.
The disabled
Marine Veterans and his family were here in Washington, staying at the Ronald McDonald
house while their daughter underwent surgery for a Kidney operation.
One kidney
was not functional and the other was working at low capacity. They had two sons,
under the age of 12, which the Marine father cared for while the Mom stayed in the
hospital with their daughter. The Marine Father, a Persian Gulf Marine, has a
disability from the Oil Refinery fires.
Mr.
Clark, was trying to raise $500.00 for the Marine Veterans family to help maintain them
during their stay and handle any other incidentals that they may need until they returned
to their home.
He needed to
get them this needed assistance as soon as possible and was hoping Mothers Of Military
Support would be able to help quickly.
“Because
of M.O.M.S. innovative and time saving
approaches to e-commerce, said Mrs. Johnston,
“we were able to assist Mr. Clark and the Marine Veteran in good time by having our
on-line Veteran’s Visa Gift Card program™
in place.
Colleen Gilbert,
Community and Public Relations, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, forwarded
Johnston’s email, asking contributors that received a copy, to log onto www.mothersofmilitarysupport.org website and
donate for this family using the Veteran’s Visa Gift Card ™ system.
In a
message from Mrs. Johnston Wednesday evening, “We've reached our goal! The Visa
Gift Cards were delivered to Mr. Clark with the Governors office, late afternoon.
Mr. Clark
generously offered to drive down from Tacoma, WA and pick them up in Kelso, WA the
afternoon of the May 16th 2007.
In less than
12 hours, $675.00 plus a $100.00 fuel card was raised and delivered to the family.
Mr. Clark stated in an email, ‘Earlier this evening I picked up the Visa
cards from Liz Johnston with Mothers of Military Support in Kelso. I was amazed by
the generosity of all those who rallied to show their support, raising $675 in just 12
hours for the Marine Veterans family!”
Clark
went on to say “Please thank everyone who made this short notice assistance
available. A special note of thanks needs to also go to Liz. Her willingness to
go the extra mile to help this retired Marine Corps family in their time of need is
to be commended. It was an honor for me to be
able to work with a leader of such uncommon compassion and to see first hand how our
veterans community takes care of all veterans in need. Warm regards.”
Dennis Clark.
 Helping individuals achieve rewarding careers in IT. |
CompTIA Skills Development Customer Service Team 630-678-8300 press 5 (phone) 630-268-9071 (fax) www.creatingfutures.us/ Click Here |
Program Helps Veterans, Unemployed, Disabled Launch New Tech Careers
The Computer Technology Industry Association now wants to expand its Creating Futures program further into the United States and in other countries.
By Marianne Kolbasuk McGee, InformationWeek April 26, 2007
http://www.informationweek.com
About 18 months ago, the Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) began piloting Creating Futures, a program to help veterans and also disadvantaged youth and disabled and unemployed individuals launch tech careers.
Since then, about two dozen individuals have participated in the program, including 13 returning veterans in Jacksonville, Fla., four at-risk youth in Cleveland, and eight dislocated or unemployed workers in Ireland.
Now the technology industry association is looking to expand the program by helping more individuals jump-start new technology careers.
The program is offered free to qualifying candidates, including dislocated workers who lost their jobs in other industries such as auto manufacturing, or who suffered through disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, said Susan Underhill, co-chair of the CompTIA Creating Futures board and VP of global certification and partner education at Hewlett-Packard.
CompTIA, which focuses much of its attention on training and certification programs, has to date funded the Creating Futures program through its non-profit Education Foundation, which has collected more than $3 million for the program. Funding so far has included contributions from companies like HP, and also a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, said Underhill.
CompTIA now wants to expand the program's presence further into the United States and also overseas by seeking additional funding from other donors and aligning with local and state labor bureaus that would steer candidates to the Creating Futures program for tech-career training, rather than building their own tech job training programs.
"The idea is to scale Creating Futures to bring more people through the program," Underhill said. As a vendor and employer, HP sees the value in Creating Futures because of a possible impending tech-worker shortage fueled by declining numbers of young people entering the field and millions of baby boomers retiring in the years to come.
As part of HP's participation in Creating Futures, the company offers free training and certification testing for HP technologies so that graduates of the program can gain employment with HP channel partners, including resellers, Underhill said.
Creating Futures is a six-step program: assessing an individual's skills level; offering a scholarship; providing training; providing certification testing; hooking up an internship; and finally helping individuals find full-time employment.
Among veterans who say they've already benefited through participation in the program is Aaron Sanchez, a U.S. Navy officer who several months ago returned home to Florida and will leave active duty in December.
Sanchez took a two-week training program in hardware and operation systems from education firm New Horizons, a Creating Futures partner. Sanchez said he expects to soon take the test to earn his CompTIA a+ certification, which he said will help him gain employment as a hardware and software technician.
"I'd like to be an IT manager, perhaps in an IT organization," he said. Sanchez might have a leg up regardless of his participation in Creating Futures. That's because he already has a bachelor's degree in computer science and a tech-related master's degree. His last stint in the Navy was as communication director overseeing his ship's LAN.
Still, even with that technology and leadership experience under his belt, Sanchez is confident that Creating Futures will help his own career future. Earning certification as a computer technician will make him a stronger IT manager one day. "I want to lead others, but I think it makes me stronger when I can show people how to do their jobs, too," he said.
